Prison Inmates Train Dogs for Veterans

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Prison Inmates Train Dogs for Veterans

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Nero, a veteran assistance dog in training, takes a ball from inmate James Harrison during a training session at Western Correctional Institution in Cresaptown, Md. Nero is one of three dogs assigned since September to inmates at the maximum-security prison for basic training as service dogs for disabled military veterans.

Patrick Semansky/AP
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Kathy Levick directs a training session with inmates and veteran assistance dogs in training as officials look on at Western Correctional Institution in Cresaptown, Md. Levick visits the maximum-security prison once a week for two hours of instruction.

Patrick Semansky/AP
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Inmate John Barba works with Dill, a veteran assistance dog in training, at Western Correctional Institution. Professional trainers say prison-raised dogs tend to graduate sooner and at higher rates than those raised traditionally in foster homes because puppies respond well to the consistency and rigid schedules of prison life.

Patrick Semansky/AP
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Inmate John Barba walks out of his cell with Dill, a veteran assistance dog in training, at Western Correctional Institution in Cresaptown, Md.

Patrick Semansky/AP
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Dill, a veteran assistance dog in training, looks on as inmate John Barba walks away after commanding him to sit and stay during a demonstration at Western Correctional Institution in Cresaptown, Md.

Patrick Semansky/AP
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Inmate Hazard Wilson walks Yardley, a veteran assistance dog in training, on the grounds of Western Correctional Institution.

Patrick Semansky/AP
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Inmate John Barba looks at a calendar as he sits in his 6-by-9-foot cell that he shares with Dill, a veteran assistance dog in training.

Patrick Semansky/AP
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